Ron Arad’s Daring Designs at Ben Brown Fine Arts
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London’s Ben Brown Fine Arts is presenting its first solo exhibition of the iconic London-based Israeli designer, architect, and artist Ron Arad, who is best known for the fluid, undulating forms of his furniture designs such as the “Well-Tempered Chair
Ron Arad’s Daring Designs at Ben Brown Fine Arts
London’s Ben Brown Fine Arts is presenting its first solo exhibition of the iconic London-based Israeli designer, architect, and artist Ron Arad, who is best known for the fluid, undulating forms of his furniture designs such as the “Well-Tempered Chair” and the “Bookworm” bookshelf.The Ben Brown Fine Arts “Summer Exhibition” showcases Arad’s most recent offerings in industrial design, sculpture, and hand-crafted studio pieces – works that testify to his singular dedication and commitment to experimenting with the potential of materials, including wood, metal, and glass.The movement and playfulness that characterize Arad’s masterful oeuvre are exemplified in works such as the cedar bench “Useful, Beautiful, Love,” 2016; the “Free Standing China” bookshelf from 2009; and the “Puddles” tables created especially for the exhibition. The latter form the centerpiece of the exhibition — the amorphous shapes and reflective surfaces of the 32 unique mirror-polished stainless steel tables redefine the gallery space, challenging the viewer’s perceptions of reality and illusion.Another highlight is “Useful, Beautiful, Love,” 2016. Crafted from a 900 kilogram cedar log, the ethereal, organic glider bench features the William Morris quote “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful” carved into the seat.The exhibition also includes the sculptural chairs “Even the Oddballs,” 2008; the glass and steel sculptures “Standard Stoppages,” 2016; “Hedgehog,” 2016; as well as the architectural Corten steel chair “BTT2,” 2015.Ben Brown said that he has no doubt that visitors to the exhibition will be confronted by the inventiveness, humor, and genius of Ron Arad and his completely fresh and unique approach to form, function, and material.“Ron continually surprises and astonishes; his works fascinate and delight the eye,” said Brown. “I hope that you have a chance to see not only Ron’s show in the gallery, but also the myriad of public sculptures throughout London this summer.”The “Summer Exhibition” coincides with the unveiling of three significant public artworks by Arad in London: “Spyre” in the courtyard of the Royal Academy of Arts, “Thought of Train of Thought” at St. Pancras International, and the 360-degree interactive installation “Curtain Call” at the Roundhouse.“Ron Arad. Summer Exhibition” runs through September 15 at Ben Brown Fine Arts. Read more
